Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) high-profile signing, Sanju Samson hasn’t carried forward his form of T20 World Cup 2026 to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. After three consecutive fifties in T20 World Cup triumph, Samson has registered two single-digit scores – 6 and 7 – in his CSK debut season. While CSK have several area of concerns after two consecutive defeats, head coach Stephen Fleming has backed Samson who he believes is in ‘good form’.
"He is not going to score every time. It's T20 cricket and he just nicked one today. But, he is in good form. He is training well. And when he gets going, he is often a match-winner. So, two innings don't define an area of concern," Fleming said in the post-match press conference.
Samson’s dismissals in CSK’s first two games
Against his former franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR), Samson got bowled by left-arm pacer Nandre Burger. In the home clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS), he edged one to wicketkeeper Prabhsimran Singh off Xavier Bartlett's bowling.
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Gaikwad struggles, Mhatre proves his mettle
Not just Samson, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has struggled as well. Gaikwad got knocked over by Jofra Archer. He faced 11 balls to score six runs. Against PBKS, he got off to a good start but fell for a 22-ball 28. He lost his wicket of leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal trying to take him on.
As Samson and Gaikwad have opened the innings, CSK’s find of the previous season, Ayush Mhatre has been pushed to the no.3 spot. Mhatre departed for a golden duck against RR but showed what he is capable of against PBKS, registering a 43-ball 73, featuring six fours and five sixes.
CSK’s next opponent
On April 5, CSK will play Rajat Patidar's Royal Challengers Bengaluru at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Samson does not have the best of record against RCB. From 24 innings, he has 484 runs at an average of 21.04 and strike rate of 136.33. He does have three fifties against the defending champions. His highest of unbeaten 92 against RCB came in 2018.